Targeted mineral supplementation prevents significant welfare problems in sheep. Understanding the evidence-based approach protects animals from deficiency and toxicity.
Sheep mineral management requires the discipline of evidence before action — supplementing without testing creates as many welfare problems as it prevents. Selenium toxicity from over-supplementation causes hair loss, lameness, and organ damage. Copper toxicity causes haemolytic crisis that can rapidly be fatal. The welfare case for testing before supplementing — establishing actual deficiency through blood or liver analysis — is strong and is recommended by veterinary guidelines in most countries. Once appropriate deficiency is established, targeted supplementation prevents the welfare harms of deficiency including white muscle disease in lambs, neonatal mortality from iodine deficiency, and the wasting and neurological signs of cobalt deficiency. The investment in testing pays welfare dividends that are particularly significant around the high-demand periods of pregnancy and lactation.